John | Celia | Emma | Chris | Ruth
| Life
in the hospice by John
First, from the medical point of view it is comforting that there is someone on call with a range of options, day and night (and weekends), which would not be available at home. Secondly, the ability to have visitors day or night is much appreciated and the opportunity to have a spouse stay overnight in the hospice, or even in the same room is quite remarkable. Certainly this particular hospice seems to go out of its way to provide for a patient’s wishes to make them more comfortable. Its ready acceptance of alternative methodology is yet another example of this hospice’s care. I have got a great deal out of massage sessions and reiki and have also learned to relax, with the aid of the hospice provided counsellor. The food in general has seemed like home cooking and nothing seems too much trouble. I really feel that such facilities should be available in every village sized community in the country; an improbable wish but something worth saying.
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photo John Crook
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hospice terrace the gardener disturbs the winter dust
john crook |
| Staying in the hospice by Celia
Over the last few weeks of my husband’s stay here I have found so much strength from the support of all the staff. Whenever I have been feeling low or upset there has always been someone there to listen, comfort and provide helpful words. I feel as though I am amongst friends. This time hasn’t been one full of tears, we have been able to have plenty of happiness and laughter. It has been wonderful to make John’s room into a little extension of our home (often very untidy!). Visitors have been able to come and go as they please, and been made to feel welcome, never pushed out. My grown-up children have been able to stay here so that they can benefit from the short time we have left all together. John has been treated with utter kindness and consideration, his feelings and wants always come first. I have witnessed his anxiety flow away from him under the calming influence of those caring for him. I cannot begin to imagine what these weeks would have been like if he had been at home or in hospital. Instead of a nightmare this has been a time for us to grow together, show our love and have happy memories.
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photo John Crook
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Just before Christmas my Grandpa went into the Katharine House Hospice. He was very happy there until he died. The people that work there are very kind and come straight away if you need them. It is very clean and has lots of fizzy drinks if you get thirsty. Lots of people must have liked the Hospice because they had given a lot of sweets and cakes as Christmas presents. The nurses let visitors nibble them.
On Christmas day Mummy, Peter, David and I went in to open our Christmas presents with Gran and Grandpa. We were quite noisy but nobody minded.
When we went to visit Grandpa he was usually in the games room where we could play games like chess, scrabble and jigsaws. When my little cousins visited they liked going to the playroom. I had a peep in and it looked very colourful with a big bean bag and lots of different toys to play with.
The hospice has a very beautiful garden with lovely bright and colourful flowers and plants. Grandpa had a window in front of his bed and he loved watching the birds and looking at the flowers.
I’d like to say a big, big thank you to all the people that looked after my Grandpa and all of my family. They were very kind to us and to everybody else and their families who were staying at the hospice.
Emma Baker
Age 9
"It is mentally stimulating, a
relaxing atmosphere with sympathetic company.
The food is excellent, the menus well chosen.
The staff are understanding and show empathy.
The volunteer drivers are helpful and deliver door-to-door."
"It is helpful with claim forms etc.
I particularly enjoy the company and it has a homely feel, whether you are a
patient or visitor.
It helps you to enjoy the present and encourages you to enjoy the future."
